Foreign minister Sok Chenda Sophea addresses the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, being held from September 24-30 in New York. Foreign ministry
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sok Chenda Sophea briefed the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly being held from September 24-30, outlining Cambodia’s plans to reduce poverty to below 10 per cent by 2028.
Representing Prime Minister Hun Manet at the UN’s annual debate, Chenda Sophea emphasised that the country’s top priority is building human capital to meet the demands of the digital age.
“We will invest more in enhancing quality education, science and technology, technical skills training, health and well-being, as well as food security and equal social protection, with special attention to women, girls and marginalised groups,” he stated.
Chenda Sophea noted that the Kingdom would deepen economic diversification by developing key sectors such as transportation and energy, while also promoting new drivers for economic growth and job creation.
He highlighted the construction of the Funan Techo Canal, which broke ground on August 5, linking Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand. He described it as a game-changer for sustainable growth and for improving the livelihoods of the people.
Chenda Sophea also discussed the country’s plans to accelerate the development of e-government, and the growth of a digital economy and society to enhance efficiency, inclusion and access to public services.
“I am pleased to note our significant progress in financial inclusion, with the central bank’s introduction of an interoperable digital payment system called Bakong, using blockchain technology,” he added.
“We take a whole-of-society approach to development, aiming to enhance resilience, sustainability and inclusion by promoting gender equality, a green and circular economy and environmental protection.”
As Cambodia prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2029, Chenda Sophea said this milestone reflects the impressive progress the country has made on its journey of revival and development.
According to the UNDP, the country’s poverty rate stands at 16.6 per cent, equivalent to more than 2.76 million people living in multidimensional poverty, with an additional 20.5 per cent classified as vulnerable to falling into poverty. The estimate is based on the Multidimensional Poverty Index, which measures people living on less than $2.15 per day.
Upon taking office in August, Manet announced the launch of his government’s Pentagonal Strategy, aiming to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050.
Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID), noted that for the country to meet its development goals successfully, it must focus not only on economic and infrastructural advancements but also on strengthening human rights and democratic governance.
He emphasised that protecting human rights allows individuals to express themselves freely and contribute to national innovation. He said democratic governance is crucial for accountability, transparency and preventing corruption in large-scale projects.
“Inclusiveness for marginalised groups can only be fully realised when their rights are protected, enabling them to participate in national development. Strengthening democracy and human rights will boost Cambodia’s international reputation, attract investment, foster innovation, ensure inclusive growth and create a resilient, sustainable society,” Chanroeun added.
